Vic Michaelis, an improv comedian cherished by many, has garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The actor, who grew up in Canada, appears poised to reach a broader audience with an upcoming espionage thriller.
However, they have not dismissed the idea of venturing into a multi-level marketing business.
This potential shift would only contribute to their wonderfully unpredictable career path. Late last year, Michaelis debuted the third season of the web series Very Important People, much to the excitement of fans of Dropout.tv. A key figure in the Dropout studio and streaming service, Michaelis portrays a neurotic version of themselves called “Host Vic,” guiding costumed comedians through spontaneous and chaotic interviews.
Following their role in a Kickstarter-supported comedy film titled D(e)ad, they have now made a transition to prime time television: playing the role of Cheryl, an ambitious office manager and embassy spouse, alongside Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke and The White Lotus’s Haley Lu Richardson in the new series Ponies. This Peacock show follows two women drawn into espionage following the mysterious deaths of their CIA spouses.
However, moving from internet fame to television recognition can be challenging. We spoke with Michaelis about their journey transitioning from DIY projects to conventional content, as well as their grand plan to market earthquake preparedness kits.
Renowned comedian Vic Michaelis speaks with CBC’s Jackson Weaver about their career expansion from online platforms to traditional media, as well as the new season of their streaming series Very Important People.
We’ve spoken previously, and referring back to that conversation, you mentioned a strong desire to act in a disaster film, particularly Twisters. I initially took this as a joke, but I’ve noticed you’ve reaffirmed this in other interviews. This is a genuine aspiration.
Vic Michaelis: I cannot emphasize enough that this is not a joke. I genuinely want to be in a disaster movie so badly it’s almost comical. I’ve seen the posters for 9-1-1: Nashville featuring a man hanging off a building while two tornadoes approach, and I thought, “That should be me. How can I make that happen?” So if anyone has advice, please share. People often laugh and say, “Oh, that’s amusing,” but I’m genuinely serious.
While you haven’t quite entered the disaster genre yet, it feels like Ponies is a step in that direction. Was that part of your motivation for joining the project?
Absolutely. The script was incredibly vivid and funny, easily one of the best I’ve read in a long time. A great story is one thing, but when the script is lively just in text, that’s something else. The humor in the jokes and the writing was tight, and even the stage directions made me laugh. In one of the initial episodes featuring male nudity, it stated, “We are seeing full frontal male nudity.” This is a premium show, a prestige drama, yet it was hilariously presented.
This series also subverts traditional gender roles. However, your character embodies a classic femininity. Was that an area you explored?
Definitely. It was incredibly enjoyable. The type of character I love to portray is someone who believes they are of high status but isn’t, or aspires to high status but falls short. There’s so much humor in that gray area, if you catch my drift.
I perceive similarities between Cheryl and Host Vic, the fictional version of you in VIP. Did they influence each other in any way?
I completely agree. That’s a big part of what attracted me to Cheryl; I could relate to her. However, Host Vic desires success intensely and believes they are a serious journalist, yet lacks some necessary skills and talent. Conversely, Cheryl possesses those attributes, but her circumstances prevent her from advancing. It’s a reflection of the time she lives in and how others undervalue her contributions.
In contrast, Host Vic is misguided about their abilities. There’s no scenario where Host Vic would become an MSNBC reporter, whereas Cheryl, in a different reality, could be a CEO or a senator. It’s such a fun character dynamic to explore. This may sound harsh, but I enjoy portraying a character that is quite different from my true self: someone who can be mean and make it everyone else’s issue.
Regarding your career progression, this is not your debut role. However, working with Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson on this high-stakes Peacock drama must have made you feel like, ‘Wow, this is really happening.’?
This is the biggest production I’ve ever been a part of, and I take no offense in stating that. It’s my first experience as a series regular on a show of this scale. I felt the significance of this moment. My dad, who has supported me throughout my journey, attended the premiere with me, as did my husband. Being able to share that moment with them, who have been incredibly supportive even during my improv gigs for small audiences, made this a monumental experience for me.
The actual filming process was nerve-wracking. Arriving there, I was picked up by a car that offered water bottles in the front seat. I asked if I could have one, and they replied, “They’re for you. That’s why they’re there.”
Once on set, I met everyone. Emilia [Clarke] and Haley [Lu Richardson] were genuinely kind and welcoming. It’s often said in film and television that the stars influence the atmosphere on set, and it couldn’t have been a better environment.
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Very Important People host Vic Michaelis is very famous and has places to be
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Your level of fame might not align with Emilia Clarke’s, but you have gained considerable recognition among a certain audience. Do you sense that, or does it still feel unusual?
It’s fascinating because my rise to recognition has primarily been through online platforms. Similar to how you follow friends and see their vacations, pets, and birthday celebrations, people also encounter clips from Dropout. This allows me to become a regular part of their lives, which is a true honor. I’m fortunate to meet many people, particularly after shows, and engage with them. My relationship with the Dropout fans is likely different from others’ experiences with fame.
I feel grateful—many of the Dropout fans I’ve met are wonderful and have unique comedic preferences. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing someone say, “I stumbled upon enough Dropout clips that I was initially confused, but then it grew on me, and now I’m taking improv classes.” That’s fantastic! It brings me one step closer to my dream of launching a multi-level marketing venture.
The ultimate goal: a multi-level marketing disaster movie.
Indeed, this is the vision! All of this serves as a grand scheme to market earthquake preparedness kits.
Nicholas Podany appears as Ray, and Vic Michaelis as Cheryl in Ponies. (Katalin Vermes/Peacock)
This has been a monumental year, from VIP, to Ponies, D(e)ad, and even D20, the new Dropout Dungeons & Dragons series. How hectic has it been lately?
It’s been incredibly busy and a lot of fun. I’m currently involved in a video game project set to release this year—I’m voicing Roona in Star Wars: Zero Company, and the trailer is already out. It’s been a whirlwind in the best way possible. I’ll be traveling for a week soon and look forward to some well-deserved rest.
Do you envision a future where you create something in Canada, perhaps a Canadian show or a project you’re eager to be part of?
Absolutely, that’s always on my mind. Whenever I contemplate new projects, it’s, “How can I create something that allows me to live and work in Toronto?” Honestly, I’d take any opportunity, but returning to Toronto would be a dream. It’s my favorite city in the world, and I love it there. I genuinely apologize for my bias.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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